Description :The Senior Network Architect-Satellite, reporting to the Senior Program Manager, is accountable for creating a highly available, efficient, and scalable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network environment. Through the application of best-practice–based methods and architectures, this position designs and governs end-to-end LEO network solutions including space segment, ground segment, gateway infrastructure, inter-satellite connectivity, and integration with terrestrial networks.This role leads the architectural design and implementation of LEO constellation networking, satellite-to-ground communications, gateway and backhaul integration, routing and traffic engineering across space and ground domains, and core network security for LEO-based services.The Senior Network Architect-Satellite is the technical authority on all matters related to the LEO network and maintains a current perspective on evolving satellite networking technologies, standards, spectrum considerations, and security best practices. The role leads the development of LEO network technology and vendor strategy, establishes key supplier and partner relationships, and ensures architectural decisions balance technical excellence with business and regulatory diligence.The Senior Network Architect-Satellite is frequently called upon to consult on designs involving high-value customers and strategic services, and to lead architecture verification and service validation activities conducted in lab, field-trial, and pre-production LEO environments.Employment EquityNorthwestel values diversity in the workplace and is committed to the goals of Employment Equity. We strive to achieve a skilled workforce that is representative of the population we serve, and as a Northern company, we are committed to the employment and career development of our Indigenous peoples. Please clearly indicate on your application if you are an Indigenous person, a woman, a person with a disability, or a visible minority if you wish to receive hiring preference.Specific AccountabilitiesLiaises with Senior Management and Executive teams on matters related to LEO satellite network architecture and associated business development opportunitiesSupports and consults business decision support and regulatory teams on spectrum usage, licensing, regulatory proceedings, and profitability analyses related to LEO network operationsConsults and contributes to RFP teams to win strategic customers requiring LEO-based connectivity and servicesLiaises with key customer technical representatives, satellite vendors, and partners regarding services delivered over the LEO networkLeads the development and evolution of LEO constellation network architectures, including space, ground, and gateway domainsLeads design of fundamental network behavior using best-practice application of:Satellite networking and orbital considerationsInter-satellite links (ISL)Satellite-to-ground and gateway architecturesIP routing, traffic engineering, QoS, and security across hybrid space/terrestrial networksConducts architecture verification testing to qualify and approve LEO network changes, upgrades, and expansionsLeads or conducts service verification testing to validate internal and customer-facing LEO service architecturesLeads or conducts device and platform verification testing to qualify:Satellite payload networking componentsGround station and gateway equipmentNetwork control and management systemsMaintains and develops strategic relationships with LEO satellite vendors, ground infrastructure providers, and industry partnersVerifies and qualifies new or updated software, firmware, and network control systems used in the LEO environmentDesigns network and service test scenarios to expose vulnerabilities such as:Latency and handover impactsScalability limitsCongestion and contention scenariosFault and degradation conditionsDesigns and validates failover, redundancy, and restoration architectures across space, ground, and gateway componentsDevelops and documents standardized LEO network and service provisioning templates to enable approved, tested, and repeatable deploymentsParticipates in complex problem resolution for the LEO network environment (Level 3 technical support)Leads development of short- to medium-term tactical plans to:Expand or modify LEO capacityIntroduce new satellites, gateways, or coverage regionsAddress obsolescence, demand growth, or service evolutionCollaborates with transport, IP, Power & Civil infrastructure, and service delivery teams to ensure seamless end-to-end integration between LEO and terrestrial networksCollaborates with Enterprise Marketing and service development teams to design and enhance LEO-based services, including:QoS models and service classesPolicy alignment with customer SLAsService performance measurement and reporting architecturesKnowledge and Skills RequiredEngineering degree or equivalent, with five years’ experience in telecommunications, satellite communications, or service provider networking environmentsDeep and specialized knowledge of satellite networking concepts, LEO architectures, and IP-based service deliveryStrong understanding of interactions between space systems, ground infrastructure, and terrestrial networks, and the impact of changes across domainsBroad knowledge of networks and systems used across the organization, with the ability to stay current as satellite and networking technologies evolveExcellent analytical and system performance analysis skills to support root-cause identification and risk quantificationStrong project management skills to support controlled cutovers, launches, and releasesEffective customer and partner engagement skills, particularly in technically complex environmentsWorking ConditionsThis position works in a typical office environment. The incumbent is occasionally required to travel two to three times per year, for up to one week at a time, for meetings, conferences, field trials, or site visits related to LEO satellite systems and ground infrastructure.What We Offer YouHealth & Wellness Benefits, Pension Plan, DiscountsTeam Incentive BonusPaid Vacation with a Vacation Travel AllowanceWork-Life BalanceCommunity InvolvementClosingApplications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Posting will remain active until the position is filled.As a safety conscious COR™ Certified organization, we have an established and comprehensive safety program. We expect all employees to participate in our organizational health and safety programs, adhering to all safe work procedures focused on continuous improvement.
